KARACHI, Oct 20: Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal’s central leader and deputy parliamentary leader Hafiz Hussain Ahmad has demanded immediate cession of on-going army operation in Balochistan, holding of joint session of the parliament, and appointing governor from amongst local people in Balochistan to resolve crisis.
He made this demand at an Iftar party hosted by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam–F (Karachi chapter) for journalists at Karachi Press Club on Friday which was also attended by leaders of the opposition parties, Mian Raza Rabbani, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Prof Ghafoor Ahmad, Salim Zia, Imdad Hussain Chandio, Zubair Khan, Shah Anas Noorani, Maulana Omar Sadiq, Qari Usman, Qari Sher Afzal and others.
Referring to the issue of resignations in the parliament, he disclosed that after assassination of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti the MMA had considered to part ways from the government in Balochistan but when the members of Jamhoori Watan Party, whose President was Nawab Bugti, refused to resign, the MMA put off its decision.
“Our all-out efforts are that all opposition parties should adopt a joint strategy because on our resignation would have paved the way for dissolution of the Balochistan assembly, and in the presidential elections, the opposition would have been deprived of an electoral unit.
Hafiz Ahmad, who was the chief guest at the party, said the government had not taken the issue seriously.
“We have to come forward to save Pakistan because Balochistan is Pakistan and as such joint session of the Parliament should be called which could not be held during last three years.
He also called for release of all arrested nationalist students and other youths, presentation of reports of the two parliamentary committees on Balochistan in the Parliament, withdrawal of army from Balochistan, and steps to remove sense of deprivation among people of Balochistan.
The MMA leader said the joint opposition would play its role in finding a solution to the crisis of Balochistan.
He also said that very soon PONAM, Tehreek-i-Insaf, MMA and ARD would unite and organise to launch movement against the government. He said if grand alliance was formed, the MMA would follow its strategy whether it pertains to parting of ways from the NWFP and Balochistan governments or resigning from all parliamentary institutions.
He said formation of a grand alliance of opposition parties and adoption of joint strategy was the need of the hour to save the country and to solve pressing issues.
Speaking on this occasion, Leader of Opposition in the Senate Mian Rashid Rabbani called for taking the parliament into confidence about talks held between Gen Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Havana.
He also demanded that Gen Musharraf should form a national government immediately and part ways after transfer of powers, because fair and transparent polls could not be held in presence of the present rulers.
Prof Ghafoor Ahmad said after the meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, the rumours of a deal between the PPP and the government have proved baseless.
He hoped that they would return home after announcement of the election schedule as per their announcement.
He termed the women’s rights bill a move to divide the opposition and the PPP should consider it seriously before supporting the bill.
In the end, Qari Usman expressed gratitude to the participants at the Iftar and dinner.
